Shaun Kyle Ortego

On Oct. 23, 2019, Shaun Kyle Ortego summoned the Valkyries to carry him home to Valhalla, a place where the bravest warriors who died in battle come back to life and live forever.
Shaun was predeceased by his dad, Norman “Paul” Ortego.
Left to cherish his memory, he is survived by his wife of 11 years, Vicki Ortego of Killeen, Texas; children, Andrew, Emily, Domingo and Alexis, all of Killeen, Texas; Beaulah Ortego of Crowley; his siblings, Paul Ortego Jr. of Deweyville, Texas; Liz Will of Lumberton, Texas; Shirley Rasco of Kerens, Texas; Trish Skellham and Tonya Sonnier, both of Iowa, Louisiana; and, Christy Boutte and Tiffany Bonin, both of Lafayette.
Shaun also left behind many close friends and comrades who wish they could have helped him as much as he helped them in his short 36 years on Earth. We cannot forget mentioning his beloved dog, Mable, who he shared many barbecues with or his three black cats — Jamal, Stevie and Petie.
Shaun joined the Army in 2004 as a skinny kid from a small town. He enlisted as a multiple launch rocket system crew member and within his 10 ½ years of honorable service, he rose to the rank of staff sergeant. Throughout his enlistment, he served a total of four years, two months and 16 days overseas in places such as Korea and Iraq.
Shaun was awarded three Army Commendation Medals for consistent acts of heroism and meritorious service, eight Army Achievement Medals, three Good Conduct Medals, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Medal, the Korea Defense Service Medal, the Iraq Campaign Medal with Campaign Star, the Non-Commissioned Officer Professional Development Ribbon, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Missile Bar, the Expert Marksmanship Badge with Rocket Launcher Bar and the Driver and Mechanic Badge with Driver Wheeled Vehicle Clasp.
On Dec. 29, 2014, he medically retired from the Army after serving his country with utmost passion and honor.